"'Glutton,' today's challenger is a bit tricky."
The fat arena manager smiled as he gave Eugene a heads-up.
Eugene was the "finale" after the finale at this apprentice-level arena.
The title of Strongest Mortal wasn't something Eugene gave himself.
He'd earned it through fight after fight.
That was what those bored noble brat spectators called Eugene to hype him up.
Eugene, as a defender at this level, already had quite high privileges. After all, who would make things difficult for a cash cow?
"Got any information?" Eugene asked in a low voice.
He wasn't proud because of these false honors.
He'd won fight after fight not just because of his abilities and experience, but also because of his caution.
Nowhere required more caution than the Monster Forest.
Honor could bring him benefits, but it could also destroy him. In the arena, he was essentially no different from those crickets.
"He's an apprentice from out of town." The fat manager shook his head, indicating he had no detailed information. "But he's definitely apprentice level. Probably some young master from another city out to have fun."
He actually hadn't been optimistic about Eugene at first, but after this seemingly frail guy consecutively beat more than ten of their star fighters...
"So what's the payment this time?" Eugene touched the clasp on his mask. "Don't try to fob me off with the usual stuff. If there's no information at all and they can challenge me directly, then what they put up must be pretty good."
Eugene was essentially asking for payment in advance. He knew that if the manager said it was tricky... then they definitely didn't want him to lose.
The other side had revealed their need. If he didn't leverage that a bit, that would be the problem.
People in this business put profit first. Eugene never trusted relationships built on this kind of mutual dependence.
Someone from another city, huh?
Perfect time to test the results of his training.
"How about this much, heh." The manager held up three fat fingers.
"That's quite a bit, but I want something else." Eugene pretended to think for a moment before speaking. "Do you have any better meditation methods or visualization diagrams?"
Over these two years, Eugene had surprisingly discovered that meditation methods or psychic visualization diagrams could speed up his "digestion."
Though he didn't know the principle, as long as it worked, that was fine.
"A meditation method better than the one we gave you before... tsk, that kind of thing isn't easy to get." The fat manager showed difficulty.
However, this difficulty, like his smile, seemed pretty fake.
"I remember you guys auctioned off something similar before. Don't tell me you didn't make copies." Eugene didn't believe in their conscience.
Knowledge, like emotions, was both the most precious and the cheapest thing.
"Fine, fine, but..."
"I want it now." Eugene spoke up. This was also showing his confidence.
"Give it to him." A slightly authoritative voice came. That was the voice of someone used to giving orders.
Eugene tilted his head slightly and saw the source of the voice was a chair.
Looked like this was the legendary boss.
'I asked for too little...'
Soon, what Eugene needed was presented.
Basic meditation methods and basic visualization diagrams were already quite refined. It was actually very difficult to improve on these foundational things, because talented apprentices wouldn't get stuck at this stage for too long. For most people, the basic methods were more than sufficient.
Usually, only those perfectionists would need anything better.
If it weren't for his ability's requirements, Eugene would be fine with the basic methods too.
"Withered Tree Spring Renewal Meditation Method"
'That's a weird name...' Eugene took the meditation method and casually tucked it into the inner layer of his leather armor.
"This is a meditation method from the East. They call it a cultivation technique over there."
The fat manager explained casually. Eastern meditation methods were indeed outstanding. Methods with that kind of name could usually sell for a few extra gold coins.
As for whether it was real or fake, you had to judge for yourself.
But Eugene figured that while this place was a bit stingy, they wouldn't go so far as to sell fakes.
"I'll handle it. What profession are the apprentices?" Eugene asked.
Non-professionals of different professions had different combat abilities. At the apprentice level, fists, feet, and weapons played a big role, so knights were the strongest at this stage.
"One knight apprentice, and one seems to be a mage apprentice."
"Got it."
Eugene responded in a calm tone. At the apprentice level, he really hadn't encountered an opponent with enough weight.
Most apprentices weren't even as good as ordinary armed goblin raiders. At least goblins would really fight to the death.
Those with enough skills and resources would have already trained straight through to professional.
After Eugene left, the person behind the chair finally spoke slowly. "After this fight, arrange for him to go to Meteor City. The environment there might suit him better."
"Yes."
...
"The next challenger will face the Strongest Mortal, 'Glutton'!"
The host energetically stirred up the atmosphere in the arena.
This so-called Strongest Mortal was really no different from titles like "Divine General" for crickets...
"Glutton, show these outsiders what you've got!"
"Champion! Champion!"
Eugene, hidden behind his mask, calmly accepted everyone's cheers, because his gaze was never on the audience below but locked firmly on his opponent.
'Not even trying to disguise himself...' Eugene sized up the young knight across from him. He saw ease in his opponent, a casualness that came naturally from a privileged upbringing.
Under that casualness, Eugene also saw confidence. This kind of temperament he usually only saw in well-fed magic lions.
No disguise, casual expression.
This guy was either an idiot, or he really had the skills...
Arrogance usually required backing.
"The Strongest Mortal, huh? That's quite the boast. Let me see what you've got." This knight in exquisite armor didn't seem very well-mannered.
'This should just be an attendant...'
Eugene instinctively made that judgment, then glanced at the mage apprentice standing below the stage.
If he wasn't wrong, that guy below was probably the real enemy.
'This job really is a bit troublesome.'
Eugene didn't speak, just silently accepted the weapon the arena attendant handed him.
The weapon he chose was a staff. When not causing fatal injuries, a staff was most useful. It could even break through armor.
This was also why Eugene was so popular, because he knew when to hold back. Fighting him was very safe with high gains.
"Hmph, so you're mute."
The opposing knight also drew the special duel sword.
He didn't perform the knight's salute. This meant he didn't take Eugene seriously at all.
This action actually made Eugene breathe a sigh of relief.
After the host announced the start of battle, Eugene launched the first attack!